An Essay on the Principle of Population; or, a View of its Past and Present Effects on Human Happiness.

First two-volume edition. The first two-volume edition. Contains important additions and corrections to the earlier editions, particularly the appendix, in which Malthus (1766-1834) replies to his critics.

Malthus's essay on the principle of population is one of the most important and influential works in the history of economic thought, and the foundation text of modern demography. Despite being unpopular with liberal critics, Malthus's principle of population became accepted as a central tenet of classical political economy and Malthus's influence was acknowledged by Charles Darwin in the development of his theory of natural selection. It also 'had a profound influence on the decrease in size of families down to the present time' (Garrison-Morton).

'The central idea of the essay — and the hub of Malthusian theory — was a simple one. The population of a community, Malthus suggested, increases geometrically, while food supplies increased only arithmetically. If the natural increase in population occurs, the food supply becomes insufficient and the size of the population is checked by 'misery' — that is, the poorest sections of the community suffer disease and famine. The Essay was highly influential in the progress of thought in early nineteenth-century Europe' (PMM).

Third edition 2 vols; 8vo (21.8 x 13.5 cm); armorial bookplate to front pastedown of each vol., small tear to front endpaper of vol. 1, some pale foxing, particularly in vol. 1; contemporary tree calf gilt, red morocco title labels, some rubbing to corners; xvi, 505, [61]; vii, [1], 559, [1]pp.

Garrison-Morton 1693; Goldsmiths' 19210; Kress B5067; Cf. PMM 251.